DEATH IN CUSTODY: July 31, 2018

SUMMARY

On Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 2:04 a.m., a Sacramento Police Department (SPD) officer driving a marked police vehicle was patrolling a parking lot in the 5200 block of Stockton Boulevard. While checking the parking lot, the officer observed 5 subjects whom were loitering near a dumpster in front of multiple closed businesses. The officer contacted the group and observed the subjects with open beverage containers, appearing to be consuming alcohol, in violation of Sacramento City Code.

A computer check revealed one of the subjects, a 42-year-old male black, had an outstanding felony no-bail warrant from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The officer detained the suspect by handcuffing him and placing him in the backseat of the patrol vehicle while he made a phone call to CDCR to confirm the warrant. Prior to placing him in the patrol car, narcotics paraphernalia and an unknown bottle of prescription medication were located in his pants pocket.

The officer continued his investigation and noticed that the suspect was sweating and shaking abnormally. The officer asked the suspect if he needed medical attention and if he had swallowed any drugs, to which he replied, “No.” Despite the suspect repeatedly declining medical attention, the officer requested the Sacramento Fire Department to respond and further evaluate his medical condition. The Sacramento Fire Department arrived and provided medical care. The suspect was transported to a local hospital. Shortly after arrival, he was pronounced deceased. Medical personnel at the hospital located and removed a sandwich size plastic bag from the suspect’s throat.The plastic bag was sent to the Sacramento County Crime Lab to be analyzed for the presence of narcotics.

PRESS RELEASES

The material released consists of four (4) in-car camera (ICC) videos, four (4) body-worn camera (BWC) videos, one (1) police audio file and two (2) surveillance videos. As we continue to gather information related to this incident, more material may be available.

All video and audio being released has been redacted to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of those involved. The faces have been blurred and audio redactions are signified by muted audio with no accompanying sound.

The Sacramento County Coroner Autopsy and Toxicology reports are now available through our Department's social media accounts as well as through the link below. The reports have been redacted to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of those involved.